Elijah Lewis

In October 2021, the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families attempted a welfare check on five-year-old Elijah Lewis at his home in Merrimack, New Hampshire. When they could not locate him, they contacted police. His mother, Danielle Dauphinais, and her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, were unable to account for the child's whereabouts.

Dauphinais and Stapf fled New Hampshire and were arrested in New York City on October 17, 2021. Both were initially charged with witness tampering and child endangerment. An extensive search was launched across New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

On October 23, 2021, Elijah's remains were found buried in a wooded area near Abington, Massachusetts, approximately 90 miles from Merrimack. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was violence and neglect, and the manner of death was homicide. Evidence indicated Elijah had suffered prolonged abuse before his death.

Both Dauphinais and Stapf were charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder. The case highlighted failures in the child welfare system, as DCYF had previous contact with the family. Neighbors reported they had not seen Elijah in months before his disappearance was discovered.